Between Resilience and Restrictions: Post-Migrant Alliances in Germany Contesting Shrinking (Civic) Spaces Due to Right-Wing Surges and Multiple Crises

This paper examines how civil society organizations (CSOs) working in diversity promotion and anti-discrimination in Germany are impacted by and respond to an increasingly hostile political environment, particularly the surge in right-wing influence. While CSOs are viewed as crucial spaces for democracy and social participation that counter group-focused enmity, they have increasingly become targets of right-wing hostility themselves. Drawing on longitudinal mixed-methods data from 78 CSOs collected between 2020-2024, we analyze how the rising presence of right-wing parties and narratives affects these organizations' scope of action, while also considering how this primary challenge intersects with concurrent crises of austerity policies and global conflicts such as the escalation of the war in the Middle East. By conceptualizing these organizations as "post-migrant alliances" - groups united by their commitment to plurality regardless of their diverse backgrounds - we show how their experiences reflect broader societal negotiations over diversity in Germany. The increasing pressure on these CSOs mirrors what Foroutan (2024) describes as a "post-migrant society in crisis," where conflicts over migration often mask deeper contestations about equality and plurality in modern democracies. This research contributes to debates on shrinking civic spaces by examining how right-wing surge, particularly in democratic contexts, creates both direct and indirect restrictions on civil society actors. Rather than focusing solely on state regulations, we highlight how non-state actors, shifting public discourse, and the need for increased security measures can effectively shrink civic space through "softer means." Our findings reveal a pattern of restrictions faced by these CSOs, with 70% reporting concerns about shifting public discourse and 45% experiencing direct hostilities or assaults. The impact is particularly observable in Eastern Germany, where 95% of organizations express concerns about changing political climates compared to 39% in Western regions. We identify three key aspects in which right-wing surge constrains CSOs' work: the complication of activity implementation requires additional resources for adaptation and outreach; increasing security concerns demand new safety measures; and growing emotional strain on project workers lead to burnout risks and staff turnover. However, our research also uncovers how CSOs actively respond to these challenges. Organizations develop new security protocols, establish support networks, and create counter-narratives. Some adapt their pedagogical approaches to combat disinformation, while others strengthen community alliances and collaborate with public institutions. These responses demonstrate both the resilience of civil society actors and the additional burdens they bear in maintaining their mission. With continuing data collection through 2025 and 2026, we will monitor threat situations and identify support mechanisms that enable these organizations to maintain their resilience. This will allow to track restrictions and adaptive responses, providing crucial insights for policymakers and civil society supporters in protecting democratic plurality.